31°
The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education, based in Stamford, will provide two sexual assault awareness presentations on campus Oct. 15. While it is mandatory for the 150 students enrolled in “First Year Experience” courses to participate in this program, it is open to the entire student body.
Since the passage of Connecticut House Bill 5029 “An Act Concerning Sexual Assault, Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence on Campus” in May, Connecticut institutions of higher education now must provide annual primary prevention and awareness programming to all students.
Raquel Lopez, a crisis counselor at The Center and recent University of Connecticut graduate, was tracking this bill and immediately reached out to her alma mater once it became law.
“The speed and enthusiasm with which the University of Connecticut, Stamford partnered with us is impressive,” said Setta Mushegian, The Center’s Director of Crisis Counseling and Advocacy. “We are very excited to collaborate with them on this important programming.”
The presentations will cover these topics: sexual violence and Title IX, consent, the effects of trauma, bystander intervention, and reporting and counseling options — both on campus and in the community. In addition, The Center will have an information table at the university’s concourse, with information about The Center’s services as well as the “Where Do You Stand CT” campaign, which focuses on engaging men to be active in the prevention of sexual abuse.
Melissa Burton Reynolds, director of the Department of Student Services at UConn-Stamford, said: "Recent events in the news have brought the issue of sexual violence to the forefront. This is a prime time to help educate young people about maintaining healthy relationships and safe environments. Simply put: sexual violence is not part of our learning environment and will not be tolerated."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.
